The City of Janesville is seeking public input into the future design of the area around the Rock River between the Milwaukee and Court Street bridges. A community engagement forum is planned for 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 18 in the City Council Chambers of City Hall (18 North Jackson Street). During the forum, attendees will have the opportunity to review proposed designs, provide feedback and ask questions of City staff and consultants.
With the assistance of the community, the City recently completed the Rock Renaissance ARISE (Areawide Redevelopment and Implementation Strategy) plan, which is an action-oriented redevelopment strategy for the downtown riverfront area. One of the elements proposed in the ARISE plan is a ‘Town Square’, which would serve as the central gathering place of the downtown. The City intends to remove the parking plaza straddling the Rock River between the Milwaukee and Court Street bridges in the fall of 2016 or spring of 2017. Following removal of the plaza, this area has the potential to be redeveloped into the Town Square (pending City Council action and funding). The City recently worked with downtown business owners to develop an initial plan for the area, including parking retention and enhancement. The June 18 community engagement forum allows an opportunity for the public to ask questions of consultants and City staff and provide input into building a framework to guide future City Council decision-making.
All members of the community are invited to attend this forum. Please contact Planning Services Manager Duane Cherek at cherekd@ci.janesville.wi.us or 755-3084 with questions or comments.
